Third Molars ("Wisdom Teeth") Growing In

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HealthWiki > Where There Is No Dentist > Chapter 7 Part 1: Problems You Will See Most Often > Third Molars Growing In

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In this chapter:

 

In this chapter:

When the 4 “wisdom teeth” grow in, this adds a third molar on each side of the mouth, top and bottom. These teeth usually grow in between the ages of 16 and 22 years old. These teeth cut through the gums, sometimes painfully, as they grow into the mouth. Germs can easily go under the gums in those places and cause an infection. When the opposite tooth bites against a sore, infected gum it can make an infection worse.

Signs:

• Toothache at the back of the jaw.
• Mouth cannot open properly.
• A bad taste coming from the back of the mouth.
• Sore throat.
• The gum over the new tooth is sore and hurts when you touch it..
• Person is the right age for third molars to be coming in..

flap

Infection in the gums and pressure from the new tooth are painful. Notice the gum flap over the new tooth.

Treatment:

Do not take out a third molar while there is still infection and pain. Wait for the infection to finish. Then decide if there is room for the tooth to grow in. A dental X-ray can help you make that decision. New molar teeth are often difficult to take out. Ask an experienced dental worker to take out the tooth, if it must be done.

What you can do

First, treat the infection (see below). Then wait for the new tooth to grow more into the mouth. Tell the person what is happening and how to keep the gums healthy while the tooth grows in:

• Rinse the area with warm salt water. Make 4 cups each day until the mouth opens comfortably again. Then make 1 cup each day to prevent the problem from returning. Keep rinsing this way until the tooth grows all the way in.
• Hold a warm wet cloth against the jaw as often as possible each day.
• Take aspirin, paracetamol (acetaminophen), or ibuprofen for pain.

Give amoxicillin (500 mg by mouth, 3 times a day for 5 days) or erythromycin (500 mg by mouth, 4 times a day for 5 days) if there is fever, a swelling, or if the person can only open their mouth a little.

This page was updated:18 Sep 2024